Montez Mathis had 16 points to lead Rutgers (8-9, 1-6), which has lost three straight since knocking off then-No. 16 Ohio State. Geo Baker added 12 for the Scarlet Knights, who were 15 of 25 from the foul line.

Northwestern opened up second-half leads of 37-27 and 47-37, only to see Rutgers tie the game at 49 on Mathis’ scoop shot in the lane with 5:58 to play. Mathis had a chance for a three-point play but missed the free-throw attempt.

After a couple of empty possessions by both teams, Law drove the lane and hit only his second basket for a two-point lead. Taylor then took over, sandwiching his two 3-pointers around a pair of Pardon free throws for a 59-52 NU lead.